Toyota has recently re-invented its mainstay sedan model, the Corolla Quest. Back in 2014, when the 11th generation of the Toyota Corolla was introduced here, Toyota South Africa decided to keep the previous-generation in production as a lower-cost model.
This was a time-honoured formula devised in the mid-1980s by Volkswagen South Africa, at the time of the introduction of the Golf II. Rather than ditch the production tooling of the Golf Mk I, VWSA reincarnated its first-generation Golf as the Citi Golf, a low-priced car that then remained in production for over a quarter of a century!
The affordable Corolla
The business plan of the Corolla Quest was much the same. As it uses factory tooling that had already had its costs amortised over the production period of the 10th-gen Corolla, it enabled Toyota South Africa to offer the Quest at a much more affordable price than the new Corolla. The Quest was also built to a specification that was more basic.
Now with the 12th-generation Corolla upon us, Toyota has launched the second version of the Quest. This 2020 version is based on the 11th-generation Corolla, so it has an entirely different body. Yet because Corollas are so evolutionary in design, the new Quest is not that different looking from the older car.
Identifying the new Corolla Quest
It is instantly identified by its narrower, sleeker head lights, narrower grille, sculpted bumper and more modern tail lights. A closer inspection will reveal that the new 2020 Quest is 75 mm longer, has a 100 mm longer wheelbase, and is 5 mm lower than the first-gen Quest. The rear side windows have a different shape, and in fact all the panels are different – bonnet, mudguard, doors, roof - but you have to look carefully to notice this.
How to change the battery on the latest Quest, or a used Corolla
The latest Corolla Quest uses a 1,8-litre engine, derived from the previous-gen Corolla. Thus, as far as replacing the battery is concerned, changing the battery requires the same procedures on both the previous-gen Corolla and the new Corolla Quest. And in fact, this procedure also applies to the first-generation Quest, as that car also had its battery located in the same way, and held in place by a similar clamping system.
Step by step by battery change
- You will need a 10 mm and a 13 mm spanner, and a pair of protective gloves is a good idea, as battery acid can mildly burn the skin.
- Open the bonnet and identify the battery. It is located on the right-hand-side of the engine bay (when facing the car), close to the front of the engine bay
- Identify the two battery terminals and their leads. The positive terminal has a plus sign (+) and the negative terminal has a minus sign (-). These are marked on the battery. The positive cable is usually identified by a red colour.
- Loosen the negative (earth) cable first, which is on the right side of the battery when viewed from the front of the car. Use a 10 mm spanner to do this. Then tuck the negative cable well away from the negative battery terminal.
- Loosen the positive cable (identified with its red cover with a + sign, which you need to flip up), using the 10 mm spanner and again tuck it well out of the way. The reason for loosening the earth cable first is, if while loosening the positive cable the spanner should accidentally touch some metal part, it could cause a spark and even a fire. It could also blow fuses in the car’s electrical circuitry.
- The previous-gen Corolla and latest Quest has its battery held in place by a metal plate that runs across the top of the battery. This needs to be loosened and removed, using a 10 mm spanner and a 13 mm spanner, so that the battery can now be removed.
- Take the old battery out and inspect the battery tray. Sometimes corrosion can occur here and cause rusting quite quickly. To remove any signs of battery acid, use bicarbonate of soda and water in a paste. Apply this to the acid areas, and wait until it stops bubbling. Then clean thoroughly with soap and water and dry off.
- Refit the new battery. Make sure you order the new battery with the correct specifications for the Corolla. You will need to give your old battery in as a deposit (it is worth over R200), so make sure you get the same model of battery.
- Tighten the battery clamp to secure the battery. Then tighten the positive cable on the positive terminal. Then tighten the negative (earth) cable on the negative terminal.
- Check that the battery is secure, then start the car to make sure the new battery works properly.
- The last thing you will need to do is re-set the clock and the radio, something you always need to do when replacing a battery in a modern car. Refer to your owner’s handbook for details, or consult a dealer.
Recommended next:
How much are car repayments on a new Toyota Corolla Quest?
Top 5 things you need to know about the new Toyota Corolla Quest